DMP Durham Sharks face a crucial 24 hours in their battle for survival

DMP Durham Sharks have been granted an additional 24 hours to save their Allianz Premier 15s season following three “extraordinary” days of fundraising.

Players on the only women’s top-flight rugby side in the North East learned last week they would need to make up a £50,000 shortfall to stay in this year’s competition.

What at the time seemed an impossible feat grew ever-closer since a crowdfunding campaign was launched over the weekend,  generating £32,679 which, read a letter from the players, “includes both crowd-funding and sponsorship pledges.”

Players had set a deadline of Monday, when they were set to meet with club  officials, to raise what they believed was the bare minimum to stay afloat in the Premier 15s and meet basic running costs.

The latest letter, posted to Sharks players’ social media on Monday night and addressed to “supporters of rugby and women’s sport” read: “We have been granted an extra 24 hours by the club to secure the commitment to underwrite any shortfall in running costs this coming season.

“The level of support towards our fight for keeping elite women’s rugby alive in the North East offered by the public over the past 72 hours has been truly extraordinary.

“We would like to express our gratitude for all of your generosity so far, we are so close!

“Please continue to spread the word, donate if you can, or get in touch for more information on investment and sponsorship opportunities.”

Sharks have been in the Premier 15s ever since women’s top flight was restructured and re-branded in 2017.

Unlike most teams in the league, they are not affiliated with a Premiership Rugby side and do not boast full-time professionals nor England internationals like Harlequins and Saracens, the only two clubs